DC opens first net-zero affordable housing project
On Jan. 29,2026, Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington DC cut the ribbon on the city’s first net-zero affordable housing project. The project, known as Cycle House, is a collaborative effort between Urban Green LLC, Heleos LLC and VNV Development. The project is LEED Gold Certified with roof-top solar and aiming to generate 100% of its energy on-site. The net-zero housing project broke ground in December of 2023, and now is open for 18 apartments.
“This is the second Green Bank housing project we’re celebrating in two weeks, reminding us what’s possible when we combine our housing goals and our sustainability goals,” said Mayor Bowser. “Cycle House is transforming a once-vacant lot and delivering deeply affordable homes in a way that meets the needs of this neighborhood.”
“Mayor Bowser’s commitment to making sustainable housing accessible to all persons, regardless of income, made this project possible,” said Mark James, Founder and President of Urban Green. “Combining net-zero energy, green design and affordable housing was once an aspiration – now it’s a reality.”
